Pumptracks: local authorities, get ready for a voluntary standard

Standardization work is beginning to support the development of pump tracks, a rapidly growing urban activity. Manufacturers, users, and local authorities are expected to come together to define best practices for designing these tracks, which are enjoying increasing success throughout France.

Bumps and dips, perfect for mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards, and scooters. That's what makes pumptracks so special—tracks in the middle of the city designed to appeal to a wide range of users of wheeled and roller-based vehicles! Local authorities are well aware of this. More and more of them are investing in these looped tracks, which delight their (young) residents. Did you know the etymology of the word "pump track"? Watch the video for an explanation!

"These are innovative facilities that didn't exist just a few years ago," says Grégory Berthou, head of the sports and leisure sector at AFNOR Standardization. Today, it is estimated that around 40 courses have been built in France, with new ones opening every month. Our role is to support those interested in this sport by helping them to establish best practices for design, use, and maintenance." The result will be a voluntary standard that reflects a consensus and, above all, the general interest.

Pumptrack standards: the challenge of safety

Skateparks, for example, already have a voluntary standard, NF EN 14974, which was revised in May 2019 and lists safety requirements and testing methods. But for now, there is a gap when it comes to pump tracks. " Mayors are hesitant to take the plunge," notes William Gleizal, development manager at Hurricane, one of the French manufacturers, who brought the subject to AFNOR to initiate the standardization process. The question comes up repeatedly: is there a standard on the subject? Without a reference framework to guide their specifications, many lament the lack of a benchmark to guide them. "

Because these facilities are not without risk. Bumps that are too close together, turns that are too tight, poorly separated tracks, and you're bound to fall or crash! For everyone involved, safety remains the number one priority. "Unscrupulous companies are improvising as pump track manufacturers," says Vincent Chrzanowski, speaking on behalf of manufacturer Hurricane. But simply laying a layer of asphalt on uneven ground is not enough to create a track! The process requires rigorous design, led by specialists and governed by a reference document that guarantees the safety of the installation." Quickly enacting rules of good conduct will protect both users and contractors, and enable manufacturers who apply them to secure their markets in the future. And that is AFNOR's mission, with the support of all stakeholders!

Pumptrack standard: a world first

An initial presentation of the regulatory work took place in Paris in mid-September 2019. Representatives from the Ministry of Sports, cycling, cycle touring and rollerblading federations, municipal sports departments, user associations and route designers were in attendance. The stated objective: to move quickly! With meetings scheduled every six weeks on average, stakeholders hope to publish a reference text within twelve to eighteen months. "This would be a world first on the subject," emphasizes Grégory Berthou.

The latter also highlights France's capacity for innovation in these areas in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games, with a desire to promote sport for all. And in order to establish an effective and representative standard, all stakeholders are invited to participate. "As manufacturers, we don't have the same constraints as a local authority," explains William Gleizal. "We will look very closely at issues such as safety and skiing quality, for example. But we don't have a complete understanding of all the needs of a local authority, such as maintenance issues. The more representative the commission is, the more relevant the standard will be and the more it will help to develop this increasingly popular activity." The standards of tomorrow are being prepared today. And certainly not without you!